Rio Ferdinand Set For Manchester United Testimonial: Defender's Old Trafford Career In Pictures

The clearest indication yet that Rio Ferdinand will be staying at Manchester United next season has come from a confirmation that the defender has been given a testimonial by the Old Trafford outfit.

Ferdinand joined United for £29.1million from Leeds in 2002, meaning he completed a decade of service last summer.

With his contract due to expire this year, there had been plenty of speculation about whether Ferdinand would stay, or if he might be tempted to accept one of the lucrative offers he has received to play in the Far East or Major League Soccer.

Look out for the Ad just below here

Article continues after the advertisement

So far, there has been no confirmation either way.

Ferdinand joined from Leeds United in 2002 for £29.1m

However, in acknowledging Ferdinand is presently putting plans in place for a testimonial game, which currently has no date, or opponent but will take place at the start of next season, it seems the Londoner is ready to commit himself to United for another year.

"I have spoken to Rio," said Ferguson.

"I would imagine the best thing for him would be to stay but at this moment in time he is more concerned about getting an opponent for his testimonial game.

"But we want him to stay and I am sure his representatives will be talking about that with David (Gill)."

Also on The Huffington Post

Close



Rio Ferdinand's United career

of





The John Travolta revival went down surprisingly well with Sir Alex Ferguson

Debut, vs Zalagerszeg in August 2002

Title no.1 in 2003

A regretful Ferdinand looks on after the FA announced he would be banned eight months for missing a drugs test

Limping out for 2/3 of the year at Wolves in January 2004

Coming back against Liverpool in September 2005

Ferdinand was named man of the match after a terrific display

Goal no.1 vs Wigan

Goal no.2 vs West Brom

Liverpool, a team Ferdinand scored against with Leeds, are on the receiving end of a 90th-minute winner in January 2006

With Nemanja Vidić, Ferdinand has forged one of United's greatest defensive partnerships

Liverpool get 'merk'd' again in October 2006

Title no.2, 2007

A first - and only - Champions League goal for United in Kiev, October 2007

Enjoying a fortuitous goal at Villa Park later that month

Ferdinand savours his volley against Newcastle in January 2008

Title no.3, 2008

European champion

World champion

League Cup winner for a second time in 2009

Title no.4

Title no.5, 2011

Still going strong

Manchester United's English defender Rio Ferdinand (R) celebrates scoring his team's second and winning goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Swansea City at Old Trafford in Manchester, northwest England, on May 12, 2013. AFP PHOTO / ANDREW YATES RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/Getty Images)

Manchester United's English defender Rio Ferdinand lifts the Premier League trophy after the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Swansea City at Old Trafford in Manchester, northwest England, on May 12, 2013. AFP PHOTO / ANDREW YATES RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/Getty Images)

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Rio Ferdinand of Manchester United uses the microphone to get the crowd singing at the start of the Premier League trophy winners parade on May 13, 2013 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)